Bahrain Premier wins women's rights award

Jeju, South Korea, May 25, 2014

He has been granted the International Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW International) Gold Award in South Korea, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

The prize recognises the Premier's life-long achievements and being instrumental in promoting the status of women and co-opting them in decision-making spheres.

His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa hailed the prestigious award as an acknowledgement of Bahrain's landmark achievements, which revealed to the world its ability to build a viable model of sustainable development.

"These remarkable success stories are all the more significant as they are the fruit of Bahrainis' hard work and dedication to promote their country's standing," he said.

The Premier took pride in Bahrain's political, economic and social strides which topped development reports for years.

In a message on the occasion, he lauded hard-won achievements, which, he said augur well for Bahrain's bright and prosperous future.

He stressed the importance of continuing the march and doubling efforts to meet ambitious goals and achieve further progress and prosperity.

He paid tribute to His Majesty King Hamad for leading a wide-ranging development march engaging all parties.

He thanked BPW International for bestowing on him the Golden Award, which he said, represented a major encouragement to build a brighter and more prosperous future for Bahrainis and ensure decent living standards for them.

The Premier saluted strong-willed Bahraini women for their diligence and determination to achieve their ambitions and contribute fully to their country's political, economic, social and cultural development.

The Premier said that Bahrain has always been in the vanguard of development, being one of the first countries in the region to grant women political, economic and social rights and co-opt them into nation-building efforts.

BPW International president Freda Miriklis paid tribute to the Premier for supporting women constantly and bolstering their role in all walks of life.

"The Golden Award is in recognition of the Premier's efforts to empower women, promote their contributions and encourage relevant civil institutions," she said.

"These efforts have turned Bahrain into a pioneering country in women's empowerment," she said, announcing the decision to open BPW International - Middle East branch in Bahrain.

The Premier's message was distributed at the 28th BPW International Congress 2014.

The Premier received cables from senior officials and citizens congratulating him on his landmark achievement. - TradeArabia News Service